In contrast to the ongoing market challenges facing global fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) manufacturers and retailers, consumers are in better spirits than they were at the end of 2016. In fact, global consumer confidence has risen three index points since the close of last year.

Global consumers, by and large, have more shopping choices at their disposal than ever before. For retailers, differentiating your brand in such a crowded space is critical. A retail loyalty program can be an effective way to create competitive advantage by reducing customers’ likelihood to switch stores.

Done well, loyalty programs can help drive more frequent visits and heavier purchasing. More than seven in 10 global respondents (72%) agree that, all other factors equal, they’ll buy from a retailer with a loyalty program over one without.

Third-quarter 2016 global consumer confidence remained stable at 99, up one point from the second quarter and unchanged from third-quarter 2015. Country-level scores, however, varied dramatically throughout the regions, reflecting considerable economic diversity around the world.

Third-quarter global consumer confidence increased one point from the second quarter to 99. Country-level scores, however, varied dramatically throughout the regions, reflecting considerable economic diversity around the world.

Among global respondents, 74% say they appreciate the freedom of being connected anywhere, anytime, and 70% strongly or somewhat agree that their mobile device has made their life better. This constant connectivity has not only changed the way we keep in touch, but also the way we shop, bank and pay for goods and services.

Consumers around the world are increasingly focused on clean eating and the benefits of eating more healthfully, with 70% of global respondents saying they actively make dietary choices to help prevent health conditions such as obesity, diabetes, high cholesterol and hypertension.

Global consumer confidence remained stable in the first quarter and below the optimism baseline score of 100, edging up one index point to 98. The score reflected mixed confidence levels reported in every region.

Global consumer confidence remained stable in the first quarter and below the optimism baseline score of 100, edging up one index point to 98. The score reflected mixed confidence levels reported in every region.

Many consumers appear to have strong preferences about the origin of the products they buy, but how important is this attribute really when they consider a purchase? How does it stack up against other selection factors?

No matter where you live or who you are, dirt and grime are inescapable facts of life. As such, we all need to clean—and we spend a significant amount of time keeping our homes and clothes clean and fresh.

Global consumer confidence ended 2015 on a subdued note as the index declined two points from the third quarter to 97—the same score as the start of the year. Europe was the only region to show consistent confidence improvements throughout the year across all three indicators (job prospects, personal finances and intentions to buy).

Depending on our age, our approach to something as simple as getting up-to-date news or eating out can be drastically different. But today’s consumers are bucking yesterday’s preconceived generational notions.

Global consumer confidence increased three index points in the third quarter to 99, the highest level since 2006, and optimistic sentiment for job prospects, personal finances and spending intentions increased in nearly half of all measured markets.

Global consumer confidence increased three index points in the third quarter to 99. Optimistic sentiment for job prospects, personal finances and spending intentions increased in nearly half of all measured markets, but uneven growth continues around the world as confidence stabilizes or grows in many advanced economies and declines in many emerging markets.

The most credible advertising comes straight from the people we know and trust. For that reason, it should come as no surprise that 74% of Belgian respondents say they completely or somewhat trust the recommendations of friends and family.

Three factors form the foundation of a successful ad campaign: Reach, resonance and reaction. Reach the right audience, and ensure your advertising resonates positively so you can generate the desired reaction. Simple–right? Wrong.

Though global consumer confidence declined one index point in the second quarter of 2015 to a score of 96, the European region increased two points to 79—the highest regional score in five years. In fact, 21 of 32 European markets (65%) were more optimistic than at the start of the year.

Global consumer confidence declined one index point in the second quarter to a score of 96. Regionally, confidence continued to rise in Europe, increasing two points to 79. Confidence held stead in Asia-Pacific, but fell in the three remaining regions.

Global consumer confidence declined one index point in the second quarter to a score of 96, as overall sentiment about job prospects and personal finances dropped two and one percentage point(s), respectively from the first quarter.

The most common way that Belgian consumers find out about new products is by seeing them on store shelves (63%)—far above the global (48%) and European (56%) averages according to Nielsen’s New Product Innovation report.

Brand building can be costly and time consuming, so the ability to grow via line extensions—the use of an established product brand for a new item in the same category–can be extremely advantageous. In fact, line extensions are approximately three to four times more common than “new manufacturer” and “new brand” launches combined.

Innovation matters. In the consumer product realm, it can drive profitability and growth, and it can help companies succeed—even during tough economic times. On the opposite side of the sales counter, consumers have a strong appetite for innovation, but they’re increasingly demanding and expect more choice than ever before.

There’s very that little pet owners won’t do for their furry friends. In fact pet owners' willingness to open their wallets for them is often unwavering. Even in times of economic strife, worldwide pet food sales have been steadily growing over time, but the pockets of potential in this category are narrower than one might expect.

Starting the year positively, global consumer confidence saw an increase of one point from fourth-quarter 2014, with an index score of 97. After a slight dip at the end of last year, when all regional confidence scores declined, it was a more upbeat start to the year, as confidence increased slightly or remained stable in every region except Latin America.

In Q1, Millennial respondents were more eager to spend—especially those in the 25-29 age range. In fact, their spending intent for holidays/vacations, new clothes and out-of-home entertainment exceeded the global averages by as much 10 percentage points.

Global consumer confidence started 2015 with an index score of 97—an increase of one point from fourth-quarter 2014 and from a year-ago. Compared to the end of last year, when all regional confidence scores declined, the first quarter was more upbeat, as confidence increased slightly or remained stable in every region except Latin America.

Imagine a grocery store where you can receive personal recommendations and offers the moment you step in the store, where checkout takes seconds and you can pay for groceries without ever taking out your wallet. Sound far-fetched? It’s closer than you think.

We’re living in a world of 24/7 connectivity, accessing our content on our own terms, and we like it that way. Around the globe, 76% of respondents in a Nielsen online survey say they enjoy the freedom of being connected anywhere, anytime. While consumers love this flexibility, it represents a huge challenge for brands and content providers vying for our attention in a fragmented viewing arena.

Global consumer confidence ended 2014 with an index score of 96—a decline of two index points from the previous quarter, which comes after several quarters of positive momentum. The index, which has been on a slow and steady rise for about two years, is still above a pre-recession level of 94 from third-quarter 2007.

Health and wellness are hot topics around the globe, and they have been for years. Despite the immense amount of attention devoted to the topic, however, the obesity rate is high—and rising. The good news, however, is that consumers around the world are taking steps to take charge of their health.

Perceptions about private-label brands are favorable around the world, but value shares are not correspondingly distributed; they are much higher in developed regions like Europe, North America and Australia.

From power tools to bikes, to electronics and even to cars, people around the globe are leveraging the unused capacity of things they already own or services they can provide for a profit. Welcome to the share economy.

Around the globe, more consumers say they’re feeling confident. In the first quarter of 2014, global consumer confidence returned to a pre-recession level with an index score of 96—the highest score since first-quarter 2007.

Once the novelty of retirement wanes, many retirees ask themselves: how do I fill the extra free time? Nearly half of all respondents (45%) in a Nielsen global survey of online consumers across 60 countries say that eating healthy is the most important priority after retirement. Other top priorities include staying physically and mentally fit (78%), spending time with family (58%) and maintaining an active social life (37%).

More than twice as many say people around the world say their ideal retirement age is younger (36%) than what they plan compared to those who say it’s older (17%). So what’s causing the disconnect between wanting and needing to stay employed as we age? It’s likely a matter of finances.

The majority of men and women around the world don’t believe that the sexes are treated the same. And when making financial, technological and retail decisions, they're thinking—and acting—differently.

There’s something interesting happening with men and women and shopping. Women’s incomes are rising around the world, making them a force to be reckoned with. And they’re using their newfound clout to influence purchasing decisions in categories once dominated by men.

Around the globe, aging consumers’ needs are not being fully met. One in five people will be 60 years or older by 2050, and there are regional differences that are important to consider when reaching this valuable consumer segment.

Findings from the Nielsen Global Survey about Aging highlight consumer concerns about growing old and how product and service manufacturers and retailers are meeting the challenges that can arise with age. The findings highlight an array of needed improvements, and the most compelling are included herein.

While age is just a number, it’s becoming increasingly important to retailers, manufacturers and marketers as shifting population trends favor the elderly. According to new findings from Nielsen, however, industries are largely unprepared to meet the needs of aging consumers.

Globally, the middle class is growing rapidly. So can you apply the same strategies to engage the global middle class? Dr. Venkatesh Bala, chief economist for The Cambridge Group, a part of Nielsen, recently discussed the effect these new technologies could have on the expanding global middle class at The Next Billion: A Forum about the Connected World presented by Quartz.

Consumer confidence in the Middle East/Africa region declined two index points in the fourth quarter of 2013, reporting a score of 90. Three-fourths of regional respondents believed they were in recession in the fourth quarter, a figure that topped the level reported in any other region. The pessimistic sentiment was up 1 percentage point from Q3 and 2 points from the same time period the previous year.

For many, the answer is yes. In fact, one out of every two people around the world say their preferred payment method for daily spending is plastic rather than paper. Collectively, 54% of respondents from a recent global survey say they prefer using plastic over cash.

At 3,212 feet tall with a plunge of 2,648 feet, Angel Falls in Venezuela isn’t the only part of Latin America with drastic peaks and valleys. Nielsen’s latest Global Survey of Consumer Confidence shows that consumer confidence sentiment also varied widely in the region.

Around the world, Asia-Pacific was the only region where consumer confidence increased quarter-on-quarter in the fourth quarter of 2013, rising one index point to 105, according to Nielsen’s latest Global Survey of Consumer Confidence.

While the economy stabilizes in Europe, consumers have remained wary. Confidence fell in 18 of the region’s 32 markets measured in the fourth quarter of 2013, according to Nielsen’s latest Global Survey of Consumer Confidence. Nonetheless, the worst may very well be over.

An apple a day keeps the doctor away. But when fruit doesn’t cure what ails you, a solid health and wellness plan might just do the trick. China, which is on pace to produce 37.5 million metric tons of apples in 2013, leads the globe in terms of saving for health-related issues (63%), with the greater Asia-Pacific region close behind (55%).

Around the world, shoppers reigned in their discretionary spending at the end of 2013. According to Nielsen’s latest Global Survey of Consumer Confidence, consumers said they spent less across all categories measured in Q4 2013, compared to Q3.

Global consumer confidence held steady with an index of 94 at the end of 2013, rounding out three consecutive quarters at that confidence level. Discretionary spending declined in all regions, many regions still feel mired in recession, and Asia-Pacific posted the only regional consumer confidence increase in Q4.

Global consumer confidence held steady in Q4 2013 with an index of 94, marking the third straight quarter where confidence was at that level. Global confidence was one point higher at year end than it was at the beginning of the year and three points higher than in Q4 2012.

How prepared are we for a broken water heater or an air conditioner on the fritz? To help understand how consumers around the world save and invest for household emergencies, Nielsen conducted a global study about current and future financial goals and the strategies we use to prepare for them.

Regardless of where we live or how much money we have in the bank, staying on track to reach our financial goals takes a dedicated commitment. And when it comes to saving for retirement, many global consumers are putting that commitment on hold for the time being.

From being a symbol of freedom to a way to get from point A to point B, cars capture the heart of millions. In fact, 65 percent of Internet respondents across 60 countries are planning to buy a new or used car in the next two years, according to findings from a recent Nielsen global survey.

Managing money can be difficult no matter where we live, and in many cases, it feels like we spend our cash before we earn it. In fact, Nielsen reports that globally, we save or invest just 10 percent of our monthly income on average. But is that enough?

Managing money can be difficult no matter where we live, and in many cases, it feels like we spend our cash before we earn it. In fact, Nielsen reports that globally, we save or invest just 10 percent of our monthly income on average. But is that enough?

Over the past decade, innovations have changed consumers’ behaviors and, consequently, retailers’ responses to their needs. Dr. Venkatesh Bala, chief economist for The Cambridge Group, a part of Nielsen, recently discussed the effect these new technologies could have on global consumers and commerce.

Earning consumer devotion to a brand or store takes more than just offering a good product. That’s why getting to the heart of what makes a consumer stick or switch can be the difference between flourishing and fading.

Global consumer confidence measured an index level of 94 in Q3 2013, flat from Q2, but sentiment brightened notably in the U.S. and Europe. In the latest round of the survey, consumer confidence increased in 57% of the markets Nielsen measures, up from 45% in the previous quarter.

The road to better jobs, more money and improved lifestyles is all paved by education. More than three-quarters of global online respondents agree that receiving a higher education, such as college, is important and three-fourths believe educational opportunities can lead to better employment and higher income.

Global consumer confidence increased one point to an index of 94 in the second quarter, according to consumer confidence findings from Nielsen. The increase is part of a slow, but steady upward movement in consumer sentiment reported in the first half of the year.